Tomáš Souček’s excellent, early season form continued during the international break.
While the Czech Republic fell to a disappointing defeat away to Albania in their first match of the October international schedule, Souček and his compatriots bounced back with a 1-0 home win over the Faroe Islands.
Captaining the national side, Souček stepped up to make the difference, scoring the only goal of the game for the win and putting the Czech Republic in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals next summer.
“Our internationals went well,” the 28-year-old said. “We have a crazy group but I was just happy we won the last game, and I could help the team with the goal. In a few weeks, we do it all again with our last two group games. We’re in a good position and we want to go through.”
Souček’s finish for his country was his fifth of the season in all competitions, having netted four in his last six matches for West Ham United.
Back to back Premier League strikes, at home to Sheffield United and Newcastle United, were preceded by vital finishes away to Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round and at home to FK TSC in the UEFA Europa League.
Having scored three goals last season, Souček is already past his tally from last campaign and seems on course for a prolific year.
“I don’t think there is a big secret,” he continued. “I feel really motivated this season. The team is doing really well and I’m looking to get forward in the games.
“Last season was a bit different and things didn’t always go our way. We’ve had some changes this season, and I think they are good changes which have helped me a lot. I’ve scored a few goals now and I hope I can carry on with it all, in terms of my goals, our results and my playing time too.”
Of the four new senior players to join the Hammers in the summer, two were experienced central midfielders. Edson Álvarez switched to the Irons from Dutch side Ajax while James Ward-Prowse moved up to east London from Southampton.
Both have made an immediate impact at London Stadium and, alongside Souček, have formed a tenacious trio in the heart of the West Ham side. The Czech is relishing the new-look West Ham midfield.
He continued: “It's different now to last season. I now have new players to play alongside in Edson and James and it’s going really well. I think all of us have the ability to go forward and can do the defensive jobs too.
“It’s perfect because I know if I make a run towards the box then they are covering the space behind me. Also, if one of them is high up the pitch, I will stay and support our defenders. It’s an excellent combination and I’m enjoying playing with them.”
Souček is not the only Czech in excellent form for West Ham this season. Vladimìr Coufal is also performing admirably, with the No5 registering four assists in his last four Premier League matches.
The midfielder is hoping it is only a matter of time before Coufal sends an assist his way.
“I’m happy for Vlad. He’s in good form too and playing so well. He’s my big mate in the Club and I’m very happy for him.
“He’s getting so many assists at the moment, but he’s never actually given me an assist! I was talking to him about it and we need to get that sorted out. But I’m glad he’s playing well and he’s enjoying his football too.
“Hopefully he can assist for me against Aston Villa.”
Souček knows Sunday’s visit to Villa Park will be far from a simple trip though. Under Unai Emery, Villa have been flying, and this weekend’s match will pit two sides competing in Europe against each other, with both eager to ensure they are doing so again next season.
“This is a big test,” he added. “I would compare this to when we played Brighton & Hove Albion away. We were able to beat Brighton but it was such a tough game. We know Sunday will be very tough.
“Both teams are in a good position and that will make this game very competitive. We’re both playing in Europe too and both teams will want to do so again next season. It’s an important time of the season to pick up points and we want to be as high up the league table as possible.”
